In train operation over 300 km/h, drivers are supposed to operate the handle for
acceleration or deceleration quite often due to speed restriction at the curve. To
ensure on-schedule operation and lighten the burden imposed on drivers under
high speed operation, we developed the automatic train operation system for the
Shinkansen train. This system automatically controls the speed to follow the
target speed of operation as well as obey Automatic Train Control (ATC). The
target speed is set by taking account of the ATC restriction, on-schedule running,
and energy-efficient operation. The system was applied to running tests using a
series E2 Shinkansen train from Morioka to Hachinohe, about 100 km, on
Tohoku Shinkansen line. The test results tell that the accuracy of on-schedule
operation is 4 s longer than the simulated running time, and the accuracy of
following the target speed is within 2 km/h at the maximum speed of 320 km/h.
We conclude that the system performance is satisfactory for the secure speed
control and on-schedule operation.
Keywords: automatic train operation, automatic train control.
1 Introduction
East Japan Railway Company is developing the Shinkansen train with the
concepts of high speed, safety, stability, environmental compatibility, and
comfortableness. As for high speed, it plans to operate the train at the maximum
speed of 360 km/h. To ensure on-schedule operation and lighten the burden
imposed on drivers under the high speed operation, we developed the automatic
train operation system for the Shinkansen train and carried out the running test
on Tohoku Shinkansen line.